McDonald’s is taking a hard look at its reputation as an affordable fast food stop—and realizing it’s lost some ground. After years of rising prices and customer grumbling, the Golden Arches is rolling out cheaper combos to win back value-seekers. From viral outrage over an $18 Big Mac to new $5 breakfast deals, the chain is betting that slashed prices and old-school “Extra Value Meals” can rebuild its image. But is this really enough to bring back loyal customers who feel priced out? Let’s break down the moves, the missteps, and the bigger story behind McDonald’s latest reset.
Viral $18 Combo Backlash
It all started with a shocking image: a Big Mac combo priced at $18. While it turned out to be an outlier at a rest stop, the damage was done. Customers blasted McDonald’s for abandoning its affordable roots, and the viral moment sparked widespread debate about whether fast food was even “fast food” anymore. The chain scrambled to defend
CEO Admits Customers Feel Burned
On an August earnings call, CEO Chris Kempczinski openly admitted what diners had been saying for years—McDonald’s felt too expensive. He pointed out that menu boards are the biggest driver of how people judge value, and right now, too many combos were over $10. His blunt acknowledgment made headlines and set the stage for a big reset.
Eight Popular Combos Get Price Cuts
To show it’s serious, McDonald’s and its U.S. franchisees agreed to slash prices on eight core combo meals. Each one will now be priced about 15% less than if bought separately. The goal is simple: make those board prices pop as deals again. To sweeten the offer, McDonald’s is even pitching in financial support for franchisees who adopt the cuts.
$5 Breakfast Returns
Breakfast has always been a battleground for value, and McDonald’s is doubling down. The chain is rolling out a $5 breakfast deal aimed at customers looking for a cheap, fast start to the day. By keeping the price low, McDonald’s is hoping to lure back those who turned to cheaper alternatives—or just skipped breakfast altogether.
Big Mac Meets McNuggets for $8
For lunch and dinner, the spotlight is on a new $8 combo pairing two of McDonald’s biggest icons: the Big Mac and Chicken McNuggets. It’s an eye-catching deal that’s meant to feel like a splurge without breaking the bank. This special will join the menu in the coming months under the reintroduced “Extra Value Meals” banner.
Extra Value Meals Make a Comeback
If the name sounds familiar, that’s the point. McDonald’s is reviving its “Extra Value Meals” branding, once synonymous with cheap combos. The throwback name is a strategic play, signaling to longtime customers that the chain is serious about returning to its roots. It’s nostalgia mixed with marketing muscle.
Inflation Changed Everything
The pandemic-driven inflation crisis left fast food in a strange spot. McDonald’s went from being the cheap, convenient choice to rivaling sit-down restaurants like Applebee’s or Chili’s. With casual dining chains thriving, McDonald’s suddenly had to justify why its food cost almost as much—but offered less of the “night out” experience.
Sit-Down Chains Smell Opportunity
Chains like Applebee’s and Chili’s benefited from McDonald’s price creep. For a few extra dollars, families could get table service and bigger portions. This left McDonald’s squeezed: too pricey for “value hunters,” but still not a true competitor to sit-down dining. The shift forced the company to rethink its place in the food chain.
Revamped Chicken Strips Boost Sales
Food innovation has been another lifeline. Revamped chicken strips, plus new drink options, have helped the brand shake off slumping sales. These menu updates showed McDonald’s can still pull customers in when it gives them something fresh—but at the end of the day, price perception remains king.
$5 Value Meal Stabilized Sales
Last year’s $5 value meal was proof of concept. The promotion drove traffic back to stores and gave the brand a short-term sales bump. It revealed what McDonald’s leadership now admits: customers are hunting for deals, not just new items. That insight paved the way for this broader push into affordability.
The Minecraft Meal Magic
Themed meals have also played a part in turning things around. A recent Minecraft Movie collaboration brought in crowds, proving the formula of nostalgia, pop culture tie-ins, and budget-friendly pricing still works. These limited-time offers generated excitement, breaking a streak of falling sales.
Customers Want More Than Words
Acknowledging the problem is a first step, but diners want action. McDonald’s is betting its new round of cuts will speak louder than press releases. By putting real discounts back on the board, the chain is hoping to rebuild trust with value-focused eaters who have drifted away.
McDonald’s Race to Win Back Value Fans
McDonald’s is making bold moves to prove it can still be the place for a quick, cheap bite. From slashing combo prices to reviving its “Extra Value” legacy, the Golden Arches is trying to turn frustration into loyalty. The question now is whether these changes will be enough to change public perception—or just a temporary fix. What do you think: will you give McDonald’s another shot, or are you already loyal to another spot? Share your thoughts and let us know if your favorite deal made the list.
